Other Pamplin Media Group sites

Oregon Football

Receiver Jamere Holland, a U.S. Army All-American player in 2006, regrets going to USC and not Oregon initially. He didn't fit in with the Trojans, who tried to hold up his transfer and immediate eligibility at another Pac-10 school.

'I had based my choice on family and staying close to home,' Holland says. 'I never felt a part (at USC). It's a lot of guys, a lot of competition, and it was so much to worry about. And I was close to home, and it was distracting.'

'The ball jumps off their hands, both have got zip on passes,' Kelly says. 'But they're inconsistent, like a golfer who will hit a 300-yard drive and then duck-hook the next one to the left. They have a few more duck hooks than 300-yard drives.'

• Coach Mike Bellotti says No. 1 QB Nate Costa, who is not allowed in contact drills while recovering from knee surgery, is ahead of schedule in his rehab.

• Kenny Rowe, a 6-3, 225-pound pass-rushing defensive end specialist, will get a tryout at linebacker. Terrell Turner, a 6-3, 245-pound redshirt freshman linebacker, will be tried at defensive end. John Laidet has moved from tight end to defensive end.

• At free safety, T.J. Ward, Todd Doxey and Marvin Johnson will get their chance to start next season -while Jeffrey Maehl is likely to stay at receiver. 'We have some choices. We have some depth' in the secondary, Bellotti says.

• Former junior college running back LeGarrette Blount, 6-2, 230, is wearing No. 9 and has looked good in early practices. 'He was a surprise,' Bellotti says. 'He showed some natural aptitude and understanding.'